Aiming at improving the efficiency and versatility of the time-domain electromagnetic method for geotechnical and environmental applications, we are developing a fully airborne small-scale drone TEM system. In this paper we will outline the main reasonings and design choices leading to the present system implementation. The development of the complete airborne drone TEM system has involved the development of numerous system parts, which all present their own challenges and optimisations both as individual elements and when working together. In fact, our development of the airborne drone TEM system has essentially progressed in two parallel branches, where one branch has constituted drone and frame developments, while the other has constituted transmitter and receiver developments. Practical field tests of the various transmitter and receiver prototypes have typically been performed as minor surveys at various test locations using a scaled-down SkyTEM frame towed by a helicopter. We will present former and present capabilities of the system, primarily exemplified through descriptions of these prototype test surveys.

Open-Access Online Publication: November 1, 2023